国际英语考试对接中国英语能力等级量表的预期效应

The Anticipated Impact of Aligning International English Language Tests to Chinas Standards of English Language Ability

本文参考"对接使用论证"框架,从对接项目管理者和参与标准设定的专家的视角,探讨了雅思、托福、普思等国际英语考试对接中国英语能力等级量表的预期效应。研究数据包括对2名项目管理者、6名专家的访谈,以及29名专家的问卷调查。研究发现,对接项目的预期积极效应主要体现在:1)宏观层面上推动国家外语教育现代化、国际化发展;2)中观层面上推动教学改进及成绩使用机构合理决策;3)微观层面上促进学生自主学习能力培养及教师专业能力发展。对接预期可能面临的风险则包括公众误解对接目的或对结果简单化理解、一些机构"跟风"开展对接却不讲求科学等。预期效应研究揭示了效应产生的关键因素,为后期决策及行动提供了参考。

Based on the Linking Use Argument framework, this study investigates the anticipated impact of aligning international English examinations like IELTS, TOEFL and Aptis to Chinas Standards of English Language Ability using a survey among project managers and standard-setting workshop panelists. Data were collected via interviews with 2 project managers and 6 panelists, and a questionnaire involving 29 panelists. Data analyses showed evidence of intended beneficial impact on three levels:(1) macro-level impact on the modernization and globalization of foreign language education in China;(2) meso-level impact on the improvement of teaching practices and wellinformed decisions of test users;and(3) micro-level impact on learners independent learning capacity development and teachers professional development. Meanwhile, both the project managers and the panelists warned against the possible risks of the purposes of these projects being misinterpreted,the linking results being oversimplified and irresponsible linking practices. These results highlight the key factors that might drive positive impact, thus shedding lights on the necessary decisions and actions to be taken.